FAMILIES have been evacuated from their homes after a fire broke out at a Glasgow high rise.

Residents of Charles Street, in Royston, described being "traumatised" after the blaze took hold of the building shortly after 5.30pm this evening.

Matthew Phiri, who lives on the top floor, six floors above the blaze, said: "It was traumatising. There was smoke and I looked out of the window and saw the flames.

"I ran downstairs, all eighteen floors. There was a man going up as I was going down and I told him we had to get out.

"When we got outside there was five or six people outside. I was relieved to get out."

The fire is believed to have begun on the twelfth floor of 140 Charles Street. 

The residents who live in the property were too upset to speak. 

Neighbour Richard Smith said: "I stay on the twelfth floor. It happened next door to me.

"My veranda started filling up with smoke so I shut the door, got a hold of my wife and ran down the stairs. It happened just after half five.

"There was no smoke in the stairs or the lift area at that time. There wasn't a lot of people coming out to begin with. There was no communication.

"We weren't told where to go. We were standing outside at first then the police said they'd need to cordon it off. Me and my wife are alright. I just hope everyone else is."

Evacuated residents are gathering in a nearby cafe waiting for advice on what to do next.

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: 'The police came to the door and told us we had to get out. Everyone is gathering at a cafe at 160 so we're going there. 

"There are so many people in that building. I hope everyone else got out."

Five fire appliances, including those from Springburn and Cowcaddens fire stations, and 40 firefighters are currently on the scene.

Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus are carrying out a detailed search of the property.

There are no reports of injuries at this time.